A teacher at a Ballymena grammar school is under investigation over a potential breach of exam confidentiality.

The result of an English A-level module taken in January in Ballymena Academy has been withheld.

The CCEA exam body's malpractice committee is looking into the allegation.

It said it was working with the school to ensure candidates were not advantaged or disadvantaged by the case.

The school said it wanted to assure parents and pupils that they would be fully supported throughout the investigation but it would not confirm if the teacher in question had been suspended.

It is understood the school alerted the exams body to the suspected breach.

Parents of 33 pupils were called to an emergency meeting at the school on Thursday over the issue.

Some of the parents said they were shocked at the news and at the possibility that their children may have to re-sit the exam in June.

Ballymena Academy in a statement said the reason for the CCEA withholding the results could not be discussed until an investigation was concluded.

"Ballymena Academy sincerely regrets that these young people have been placed in such a situation, through no fault of their own," the academy said.

"Their well-being and attainment continues to have our absolute priority. They and their parents can be assured that they will be given detailed guidance and support throughout."Web Hostingcheap business cards